Method and apparatus for removing stringer scoops



Feb. 5, 1946. 1.. H. MORIN METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING Filed May 16, 1944 2,394,197 STRINGER 500:013

,N Y 1 25 'i;

i W/ fi 15 I, II; 1 l5 INVENTORY Zoo/s lf. Moe/N ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 5, 1946 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING I STRINGER SCOOPS Louis B. Morin, Bronx, N. Y., asslgnor of one-half toDavis Marinsky, Bronx, N. Y.

Application May 16, 1944, Serial No. 535,894

' 17 Claims.

This invention relates to separable fastener stringers comprising an elongated tape or strand with scoops spaced longitudinally. of one edge thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for removing end scoops from a stringer in order to produce on the stringer a predetermined scoop length governed by the number of scoops on the tape of the stringer. Further, the invention comprises a novel method of removing end scoops, as more fully hereinafter set forth. The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views; and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a part of a stringer tape adjacent one scoop thereof, showing a part of two'scoop supporting and backing members and the tool for splitting the scoop to facilitate removal thereof from'th'e stringer tape.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through removal tools which I employ, shown detached with respect to one end of a stringer.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the tools in position engaging the stringer scoop, in vthe manner illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Figs. 2 and 3, showing the parts of the apparatus in a different position with the scoop halves removed from the stringer tape; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing another form of construction.

In the construction of separable fasteners, the stringers are usually produced in predetermined standard lengths. oftentimes, in these standard lengths, it is essential to remove one or two end scoops in order to bring the stringer or the scoop length of the stringer to a very specific size. In casting scoops two or three at a time, this removal operation is particularly desirable, and in such instances, removal of one or two links may oftentimes be found necessary. There are still other cases wherepai'ti'cular scoop lengths of a stringer are not available instock, and where prompt deliveries are necessary, one standard length having an excessive number of scoops thereon may be used, and the excess scoops removed much quicker than it would be possible to cast the required number of scoops in making the machine changes to run off the specific required stringer lengths. 7

To satisfy the above requirements, I have conceiveda simple apparatus as well as a simple I from the surfaces of the stringer tape in producing stringers of the required scoop length. In

referring to scoop lengths, it will be apparent that reference is made to that portion of the stringer to which the scoops are attached, and is usually measured by'the number of scoops arranged on the stringers.

The present invention deals more particularly with scoops of what might be termed angular or V-shaped cross sectional contour, such as disclosed for example, in my prior application Serial Number 531,618, and in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive is shown one adaptation of the invention.

In said figures, l0 represents a part of a stringer tape upon which is arranged a predetermined number of scoops ll governing the stringer scoop length. In Figs. 2, 3 and 4, only one end portion of the stringer is shown with a few scoops thereon and illustrated in these figures is apparatus for,

and a method of removing one end ,scoop, for example, the end scoop "-0.

, At l2 and i3 is shown a pair of scoop engaging jaw members, each having sockets It at adjacent ends thereof conforming in general cross sectional contour to the contour of the mounting end portion I5 of the scoop, note Fig. 1 of the drawing. From this figure, it will also appear that the sockets I 4 open outwardly'through the upper surface IB of the jaws l2 and I3, and this surface of the jaws adjacent the bevelled ends ll thereof,

have knife kerfs 8 for receiving the pointed end 19 of a cutter blade 2B, note Fig. 1 of the drawing. This arrangement is such that the sharp edge it of the blade will terminate at the bead 2: of the tape l0 without injury to the tape, and yet completely subdivide the scoop H-a into two halves 22 and 22-11, which can then be pulled away from opposite side surfaces of the tape it? including the bead 2 I, in the manner illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawing.

The jaw members are mounted to move angularly in carriages 23 and 24 which also form tools for pulling the scoop halves 22 and 2Z-a away from the tape, as later described. Suitable guides 25 and 26 are provided for the carriages or tools 23 and 2t to provide back and forth movement thereof, in the manner illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 2 to 4 inclusive, whereas suitable means is provided for-moving the jaw members i2 and 93 independent of the carriages 23 and 2t,

Considering Fig. 2 of the drawing, with the parts in the open position, one end portion of a stringer is supported between the law members l2 so that the sockets ll of these Jaw members will pass freely onto the side portions of the end scoop ll-a by movement of the :law members i2 and i3 inwardly toward each other, the result of which operation is seen in Fig. 3 of the drawing. In this operation, the carriages 23 and 2| remain stationary in the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing. The blade 20 is-then moved downwardly upon the end link "-11, splitting the outer coupling end portion 2'! of the scoop in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1, thus dividingthe scoop into the separate parts 22 and 22-11.

With the parts in this position, the carriages 23 and 24 are then moved outwardly or away from the tape in, the tape it being held stationary in this operation. As a result, the two scoop halves 22 and 22--a will be drawn from the opposite sides of the tape it, including the beaded edge 2| thereof, and may thus be removed. Removal can take place by returning the carriages 23 and 24, and the Jaw members l2 and 13 to the position as seen in Fig. 2 of the drawing. In this operation, the scoop halves 22 and 22a will be automatically elected from the sockets l4.

' The construction diagrammatically illustrated n Figs. 2, 3 and 4, may be said to comprise a single bladeapparatus, and if it is required to remove two or more end scoops, the tape may simply be fed into position to bring the next end scoop in position for removal, and the operation repeated as often as necessary. In referring to the above it will be understood that trimmin operations may be performed on independent stringer lengths, and also on endless fastener members where the tape has not been severed to form the independent stringer lengths. In such latter instances, the tape will be automatically moved or fed through the shearing or removal apparatus for the purposes stated.

In Fig. of the drawing I have shown an apparatus wherein two blades similar to the blade will be used to simultaneously cut on two end scoops 28 and 29 similar to the scoops li-a, but here the operation is shown as being performed at the other end of the stringer, simply to illustrate that scoops may be cut from either end of I a stringer. In the construction shown in Fig. 5, I simply employ two 'jaw members 30 and 3| which are more or less similar to the carriages 23 and 24', omitting of course, the jaw members 12 and 13. In other words, here the carriage like jaw members 3! have on inner adjacent surfaces sockets or recesses 32 adapted to engage both of the scoops 28 and 23. The members 30 and 3| are sli'dably mounted in suitable supports 33 and 34, similar to the supports and 26. With this construction, the stringer tape 35 upon which the scoops 28 and 23 are mounted. will in the open position of'the members and 3|, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 5, be arranged with the side edges of the scoops in alinement with the inner open ends of the socket 32, and as the members 30 and 3i move inwardly, the stringer is moved downwardly. However, after the tools split the scoops 28 and 29 into independent halves 36 and 31, the tape 35 is held stationary and the members 30 and 3i are separated, which operation will remove the scoop halves 36 and 31, the same as is taught in Fig. 4 of the drawing.

The present invention is applicable to scoops attached to stringers in anydesired manner, and

particularly when the scoops are die caston the stringers, or in other words, are in the form of die cast bodies. This operation tends to establish a slight adhesion of the scoops to the surfaces of the stringer tape, which will require the separate scoop halves to be pulled away from the tape. It will also be understood that the invention is applicable to scoops cast from metal as well as from plastic materials.

From a consideration of Fig; 1 of the drawing, it will be apparent that in the shearing operation of the tool. 20, the scoop or scoops are not only firmly supported in upright position in the members 12 and I3, 30 and 3i, but are also backed up by these members, and no twisting or tilting operation ,can be experienced as the cutter tool severs the coupling end of the scoop to divide the scoop body into the independent halves. r

In the operation of pulling the scoop halves from the sides of the tape, the tool 20 remains momentarily in the position between the scoop halves.

I It will be understood that the construction 25 shown in Fig. 5, may be applied to a single scoop removal, as the structure diagrammatically illustrated is not for the purpose of showing the removal of two scoops, but to show a simpler apparatus or tool structure for accomplishing the desired result. In other words, in Fig. 5, thetwo parts i2 and 23, and i3 and 2t have been combined as one.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: r

; l; The method of removing end scoops from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops comprising mounting end portions and coupling end portions arranged beyond one edge of a stringer 40 tape, which comprises supporting an end scoop I with the coupling end portion thereof arranged in alinement with a severing tool, moving said tool through the central longitudinal part of the coupling end portion of the supported scoop to subdivide the entire coupling end portion beyond the tape edge, thus dividing the scoop into independent scoop halves disposed at opposite sides of the tape, and then moving the scoop halves away from side surfaces of the tape in the complete removal of the scoop from said tape.

2. The method of removing end scoops from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops comprising mounting end portions and coupling end portions arranged beyond one edge of a stringer .tape, which comprises supporting an end scoop between relatively movable jaw members engaging the mounting end portions of the scoop at opposite sides of the stringer tape, leaving the coupling end .portion of the scoop arranged beyond and perpendicularly to said jaw members, then splitting the coupling end portion of the scoop centrally and in alinement with and up to the tape edge to divide the scoop into independent scoop halves disposed at opposite sides of the tape, and then moving said jaw members away from side surfaces of the tape in displacing the scoop halves from the tape.

3. The method of removing end scoops from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops comprising mounting end portions and coupling end portions arranged beyond one edge of a stringer tape, which comprises supporting an end scoop between relatively movable jaw members engaging the mounting end portions of the scoop at opposite sides of the stringer tape, leaving coupling end portion of the "scoop arranged beyond and perpendicularly to said jaw members,

9,894,197 theprising mounting end portions and coupling end portions arranged beyond one edge of a stringer tape, which comprises supporting the mounting end portion of an end scoop in members movable toward and from side surfaces of the stringer tape with the coupling end portion of said end scoop exposed beyond said members, then splitting the entire coupling end portion of the scoop arranged outwardly of the tape edge to divide the scoop into independent parts disposed at opposite sides of the stringer tape, and then moving said members away from side surfaces of the tape and pulling the scoop parts from the tape by said members.

5. The method of removing end scoops from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops comprising mounting end portions'projecting, angularly from opposite sides of the stringer tape and coupling end portions arranged outwardly of the tape edge, which comprises moving jaw members, having sockets conforming with and adapted to receive the angular mounting portions of an end scoop, toward each other in engaging and supporting the mounting end portion of said scoop, then moving a knife through the coupling end portion of said supported scoop in alinement with the tape edge to completely subdivide the coupling end portion of said scoop beyond the tape edge to form independent scoop halves supported in said jaw members, and then separating said jaw members in forceable removal of the scoop halves from opposite side surfaces of said stringer tape.

6. The method of removing end scoops from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops com- .prising mounting end portions projecting angularly from opposite sides of the stringer tape and coupling end portions arranged outwardly of the tape edge, which comprises moving jaw members, having sockets conforming with and adapted to receive the angular mounting portions of scoops of a stringer, toward each other inengaging and supporting the mounting end portions of said scoops, then moving severing means through the coupling end portions of said supported scoops in alinement with the tape edge to completely subdivide the coupling end portions of said scoops beyond the tape edge to form independent scoop halves of each scoop supported in said jaw members, and then separating said jaw members in forceable removal of the scoop halves from opposite side surfaces of said stringer tape.

'7. The method of removing end scoops'from stringers of separable fasteners, the scoops comprising mounting end portions projecting angu-- larly from opposite sides of the stringer tape and coupling end portions arranged outwardly of the tape edge, which comprises moving jaw members, having sockets conforming with and adapted to receive the angular mounting portions of scoops of a stringer, toward each other in engaging-and supporting the mounting end portions of said coupling end portions of said supported scoops in alinement with the tape edge to completely subdivide the coupling end portions of said scoops beyond the tape edge to form independent scoop halves of each scoop supported in said jaw members, then separating said jaw members in forceable removal of the scoop halves from opposite side surfaces of said stringer tape, and then removing the scoop halves from said jaw members.

'8. An apparatus for removing end scoops from separable fastener stringers, comprising jaw members movable toward and from each other, adjacent surfaces of the jaw members having sockets for receiving that part only of a scoop arranged at opposite side surfaces of the stringer tape, leaving a the coupling end, portion of the scoop exposed at one side surface of said jaw members beyond the tape edge, a knife movable toward and from the coupling end portion of a scoop supported in said jaw members to sever the entire coupling end portion of the scoop beyond the tape edge to form of the scoop independent scoop halves, and said scoop halves being removed from side surfaces of the stringer tape by movement of said jaw members away from each other.

9. An apparatus for removing end scoops from separable fastener stringers, comprising jaw members movable toward and from each other, adjacent surfaces of the jaw members having sockets for receiving that part only of a'scoop arranged at opposite side surfaces of the stringer tape, leaving the coupling end portion of the scoop exposed at one side surface of said jaw members supported in said jaw members to sever the entire I coupling end portion of the scoop beyond the tape edge to form of the scoop independent scoop halves, said scoop halves being removed from side surfaces of the stringer tape by movement of said jaw members away from each other, said jaw members being movable angularly to each other and to side surfaces of the stringer tape in engaging a scoop, and the jaw members being moved perpendicularly to side surfaces of the tape in removal of the scoop tape.

10. The herein described means for removing end scoops from separable fastener stringers, said means comprising a pair of jaw members movable toward and from each other, the jaw members having sockets opening through adjacent surfaces thereof in registering alinement, said sockets extending from said surfaces of the Jaw members at such angies as to form between collective jaw members a combined socket of substantially V-cross sectional form, a shearing tool arranged in alinement with the adjacent surfaces of the jaw members when in abutting relationship, and said jaw members being movable away from each other in a common plane and at right angles to adjacent surfaces of said jaw members.

11. The herein described means for removing end scoops from separable fastener stringers, said means comprising a pair of jaw members movable halves from the jaw members being movable away from each other in a common plane and at right angles to adjacent surfaces of said jaw members, and said jaw members being movable toward each other at an inclination substantially common with the in clination of the sockets in said jaw members.

12. In apparatus of the class described, a scoop engaging and supporting mechanism comprising a pair of jaw members movable toward and from each other, adjacent surfaces of the jaw members collectively forming a scoop receiving socket opening through one surface of each of said jaw members, said scoop and jaw .members having relative movement for engagement of the jaw members with a scoop, and said jaw members being movable into open or separated position in a common plane perpendicular to the adjacent surfaces of said jaw members.

13. In apparatus of the class; described, a scoop engaging and supporting mechanism comprising a pair of jaw members movable toward and from each other, adjacent surfaces of the jaw members collectively forming a scoopreceiving socket opening through one surface of each of said jaw members, said scoop and jaw members having relative movement for engagement of the jaw members with a scoop, said jaw members being movable into open or separated position in a common plane perpendicular to the adjacent surfaces of said jaw members, one side of the jaw members in alinement with adjacent surfaces thereof having a kerf, and a knife movable toward and from the kerf of said jaw members when the latter are in closed position.

14. In apparatus of the class described, a scoop engaging and supporting mechanism comprising a pair of jaw members movable toward and from toward and from each other, and said members having sockets forming a gripping engagement with separate severed parts of said article in each other, adjacent surfaces of the jaw members collectively forming a plurality of scoop receiving sockets, each opening through one surface of both separation of said members.

. 16. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a tool for severing an article into separate parts, of means engaging and supporting opposed side portions of the'articie in the operation of severing the same into separate parts, said means comprising members movable toward and from each other, said members having sockets forming a gripping engagement with separate severed parts of said article'in separation of said members, and means for removing the separate parts of the article from the sockets of said members.

17. In apparatus for removing end scoops of separable fastener stringers employing tapes with scoops spaced longitudinally thereof, the combination with means for dividing a scoop into separate parts disposed at opposite sides of the tape of the stringer, of means for engaging and supporting a scoop in the operation of severing the same into separate parts, and said means being movable relatively to the stringer tape in removing the separate parts from said tape.

LOUIS H. MORIN. 

